ZK-93423
Encyclopedia
ZK-93423 is an anxiolytic
drug from the β-Carboline
family, closely related to abecarnil
. It is a nonbenzodiazepine
GABAA agonist
which is not subtype selective and stimulates α1, α2, α3, and α5-subunit containing GABAA receptors equally. It has anticonvulsant
, muscle relaxant
and appetite stimulating properties comparable to benzodiazepine
drugs. ZK-93423 has also been used as a base to develop new and improved beta-carboline derivatives and help map the binding site of the GABAA receptor.
Anxiolytic
An anxiolytic is a drug used for the treatment of anxiety, and its related psychological and physical symptoms...
drug from the β-Carboline
Beta-carboline
β-Carboline is an organic amine that is the prototype of a class of compounds known as β-carbolines.-Pharmacology:...
family, closely related to abecarnil
Abecarnil
Abecarnil is an anxiolytic drug from the β-Carboline family. It is one of a relatively recently developed class of medicines known as the nonbenzodiazepines, which have similar effects to the older benzodiazepine group, but with quite different chemical structures...
. It is a nonbenzodiazepine
Nonbenzodiazepine
The nonbenzodiazepines, also called benzodiazepine-like drugs, are a class of psychoactive drugs pharmacologically resembling the benzodiazepines, with similar benefits, side effects and risks, despite having dissimilar or entirely different chemical structures.-Classes:There are currently three...
GABAA agonist
Agonist
An agonist is a chemical that binds to a receptor of a cell and triggers a response by that cell. Agonists often mimic the action of a naturally occurring substance...
which is not subtype selective and stimulates α1, α2, α3, and α5-subunit containing GABAA receptors equally. It has anticonvulsant
Anticonvulsant
The anticonvulsants are a diverse group of pharmaceuticals used in the treatment of epileptic seizures. Anticonvulsants are also increasingly being used in the treatment of bipolar disorder, since many seem to act as mood stabilizers, and in the treatment of neuropathic pain. The goal of an...
, muscle relaxant
Muscle relaxant
A muscle relaxant is a drug which affects skeletal muscle function and decreases the muscle tone. It may be used to alleviate symptoms such as muscle spasms, pain, and hyperreflexia. The term "muscle relaxant" is used to refer to two major therapeutic groups: neuromuscular blockers and spasmolytics...
and appetite stimulating properties comparable to benzodiazepine
Benzodiazepine
A benzodiazepine is a psychoactive drug whose core chemical structure is the fusion of a benzene ring and a diazepine ring...
drugs. ZK-93423 has also been used as a base to develop new and improved beta-carboline derivatives and help map the binding site of the GABAA receptor.